set the canvas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set the canvas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to art, design, or metaphorically to indicate preparing a foundation for a project or idea. Example: "Before starting the painting, I need to set the canvas and gather my materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Set the canvas size.

WikiHow

Set the canvas size to 500px by 500px.

WikiHow

You can use a preset size (such as 8.5x11" if you want to make something to print on normal paper), a custom size (using the height and width controls), or choose the clipboard option (which will set the canvas size to the dimensions of whatever is currently in your computer's clipboard, useful for pasting and editing existing images).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Mouse" events are defined for each canvas, so "clicking" anywhere on any canvas can be used to set the active canvas for all user input.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The sweeping and romantic Art Noveau architectural style set the perfect canvas for his story.

Vice

The experiments aimed to provide detailed information for the analysis of the residual elasticity of the fibers, so to optimally set the tensioning of the canvas.

Heritage Science

It is not necessary to choose a A4 size canvas only, you can set the size of your canvas as per your need.

WikiHow

For example, to find all genes with early over-expression patterns, we simply need to draw a timebox in the upper left side of the canvas and set the query stringency to 150 genes.

BioData Mining

Similarly atmospheric touches pervaded every corner of the set, from the canvas skyscrapers visible through the conference room windows, to the porcelain urinals in the men's room.

The New York Times - Style

The first several options are for setting the dimensions of your canvas or work area.

WikiHow

The exhibit was so eye-catching that she stopped by one of booths set up around the canvas and had the opportunity to speak to Omar.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set the canvas" in a digital context, be specific about what settings you are adjusting (e.g., resolution, size, color mode) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "set the canvas" when you actually mean to start painting or designing. The phrase refers to the preparatory stage, not the execution itself.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "set the canvas" is as a verb phrase, where "set" acts as the verb and "the canvas" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33.3%

News & Media

33.3%

Science

33.3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set the canvas" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that means to prepare or define the parameters of a canvas, whether literal or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. While it's not a particularly common phrase, appearing rarely in the analyzed sources, it finds its usage in diverse contexts such as art, graphic design, and project planning. The phrase's formality is neutral, making it appropriate for a range of audiences. When using "set the canvas", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you're discussing physical preparation, digital configuration, or a metaphorical foundation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare the canvas

Focuses on the action of making the canvas ready for use, emphasizing the preparation aspect.

ready the canvas

Implies getting the canvas into a state of readiness for painting or design.

define the canvas

Highlights the act of specifying the dimensions or characteristics of the canvas.

establish the canvas

Emphasizes the creation or setup of the canvas as a foundation.

create the canvas

Emphasizes the initial creation of the canvas, often in a digital context.

arrange the canvas

Focuses on the physical act of positioning the canvas.

configure the canvas

Highlights the act of adjusting or customizing the canvas settings.

build the canvas

Suggests constructing or assembling the canvas.

lay out the canvas

Focuses on the arrangement and organization of elements within the canvas.

design the canvas

Emphasizes the planning and conceptualization stage of preparing the canvas.

FAQs

How is "set the canvas" used in graphic design?

In graphic design, "set the canvas" often refers to defining the size, resolution, and color mode of a digital workspace before beginning a project. It's the digital equivalent of /s/prepare+the+canvas for traditional painting.

What's the difference between "set the canvas" and "preparing the canvas"?

While similar, "set the canvas" often implies establishing initial parameters or a digital workspace, whereas "preparing the canvas" (/s/preparing+the+canvas) can refer to physical preparation steps like priming a painting surface. They can be interchangeable but pay attention to the context.

What can I say instead of "set the canvas"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as /s/prepare+the+canvas, "define the workspace", or "establish the foundation".

Is it correct to use "set the canvas" metaphorically?

Yes, "set the canvas" can be used metaphorically to describe the initial stages of any project or endeavor where a foundation needs to be established. For example: "They set the canvas for a new era of cooperation".